High school rowers win gold

Treasure Coast Rowing Club Women's Youth 4 quad won a gold medal at the First Coast Head Race in Jacksonville. Pictured (from left) are Head Coach Kristen Swayze, Assistant Coach Stefanie Faulkner, Kim Keyser (Clark Center for Advanced Learning), Avery DeVault (Martin County High School) and Sarah Larson (Jensen Beach High School). Not pictured is Maddie Shaff (Martin County High School).

PALM CITY - The Women's Youth 4 quad representing the Junior Program of the Treasure Coast Rowing Club made a first place showing at the 25th Annual First Coast Head Race in Jacksonville on Oct. 12. Earning a gold medal with a time of 23:30.10 were Avery DeVault in the stoke seat (Martin County High School), Kim Keyser (Clark Center for Advanced Learning), Sarah Larson (Jensen Beach High School) and Maddie Shaff (Martin County High School).

The regatta included participants from 32 clubs and schools in 294 boats. Each race was 4.8K long and took the rowers under three bridges while navigating several turns and currents along the St. Johns and Arlington Rivers. This course is similar to the Head of the Charles in Boston, Massachusetts. The Treasure Coast Rowing Club took 15 rowers representing six area high schools to compete in four races. Most rowers competed in two races.

The Junior Program of the club began in the spring of 2010 to offer local high school students a competitive rowing experience. It is open to males and females with seasons in the fall and spring. This fall rowing became a club sport at the three public high schools giving students the opportunity to earn varsity letters. New members are always welcome and no experience is required. For more information visit the club's website at http://www.treasurecoastrowing.com.

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